These slightly older mirrorless cameras have aged like fine wine, so don’t be afraid to add one of them to your collection.
Let’s face it; there hasn’t been a bad camera to hit the market for the best part of a decade now. In fact, you can go out and buy older mirrorless cameras and not worry about image quality, autofocus performance or build quality. No matter what slightly older camera you pick up, you’ll still be able to create incredible images.
In this roundup, we will take a quick look at five slightly older mirrorless cameras that won’t only blow you away with their performance, but they’ll save you a buck or two as well while giving you access to some pretty impressive specs. So let’s check out five slightly older mirrorless cameras you should not be afraid of adding to your collection or buying as your first mirrorless camera.
Canon EOS R — The best full-frame entryway into gorgeous RF mount lenses
Canon’s first flagship mirrorless camera, the 30.3-megapixel EOS R, first hit store shelves back in 2018. While many thought Canon played it a little safe, the EOS R has gone on to become a workhorse camera for professional photographers.
After several firmware updates that improved its autofocus and performance in general, many photographers decided to hang on to theirs. The EOS R is solidly built; it has weather sealing, user-friendly menus and excellent autofocus performance. The EOS R will also grant you access to the world of Canon’s RF lenses. In our review, we said:
“The technological improvements and backward compatibility make it a welcome addition to the EOS lineup. Any shooter, from pro to advanced amateur will find this an easy way to add full-frame shooting to their workflow.”
Richard Harrington
Fujifilm X-T3 — Vintage style, modern performance
The Fujifilm X-T3 is still a stunning mirrorless camera despite making its first appearance in 2018. The retro-inspired camera features an incredible 26.2-megapixel X-Trans sensor that will help you produce magical images with colors that will make you cry tears of joy.
The X-T3 has two card slots, a tilting LCD, and a responsive EVF. The Fujifilm X-T3 is no slouch when it comes to autofocus performance either. All of this tech is inside a body that’s both elegant and easy to use. In our review, we said:
“The ease of access to the camera’s main functions and dials makes this, along with the cameras preceding the X-T3 in this series, super simple for someone who has a basic understanding of the relationship of aperture, shutter speed and ISO to jump in and take photos. Even if someone didn’t have that knowledge, the programmed modes can’t get any simpler than point and click.”
Mykii Liu
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III — One of the best all-around older mirrorless cameras
Earlier this year, we saw the release of the new OM SYSTEM OM-1 (read our review here). Still, this doesn’t mean you should turn away from the slightly older Olympus E-M1 III. This mirrorless camera might be a couple of years old now, but it still packs a mighty punch.
The 20-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor is fantastic and produces gorgeous images with lots of detail. The camera is built like a tank with enough weather sealing to survive inclement weather. In addition, there are built-in ND filters, live composite modes, dual card slots, and a very responsive autofocus system. In our review, we said:
“If you’re big into astro, Starry Sky AF truly is life-changing. If you deal with moving subjects a lot, the upgrades to Face / Eye Priority AF are well worth it. And if you’ve been longing for some of the E-M1X exclusive features like Live ND and Handheld High-Res Shot, but don’t need a big camera body, the E-M1 Mark III really is the perfect option.”
Managing Editor — Bryan Esler
Sony a7 III — The autofocus will still blow your mind
The Sony a7 iii turned the photography world upside upon its release in 2018. This absolute unit of a camera boasted some of the best features ever seen in a mirrorless camera, yet Sony insisted the a7 III was its entry-level option. Trust us when we say it’s far from entry-level.
The a7 III is so good that many cameras are still playing catch up. In particular, the autofocus system found in this camera still runs rings around the competition. Top it off with dual card slots, an excellent EVF, stellar battery life, and weather-sealing, and you have a winner. In our review, we said:
“This goes without saying. If you think your camera has great autofocus, you simply haven’t experienced Sony’s Eye AF system, which now works on animals as well as humans. It’s great when you’re trying to track a fast-moving subject, or one that’s unpredictable. Simply put, it’s allowed me to get photos I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to get before.”
Managing Editor — Bryan Esler
Ricoh GR III — One of the best mirrorless cameras to buy for an everyday carry
It’s hard to believe that the Ricoh GR III is already three years old. However, this pocket powerhouse is still the best camera you can buy if you want a camera that you can take everywhere. Thanks to its small size, the Ricoh GR III is the ultimate everyday carry camera.
If you have a pocket, this 24-megapixel APS-C camera will fit in it. The lens that’s mated to the sensor is ridiculously sharp. Snap Focus remains to be one of the best implementations of zone focus on the market, and the IBIS makes this camera a piece of cake to use. In our review, we said:
“The Ricoh GR III is a solid camera for street photographers and those who like photo walking with minimal gear. The Snap Focus feature alone makes this camera brilliant. Add in its small size, IBIS and other features, and you have a very capable camera.”
Gear Editor — Brett Day
